Missional Community Outreach
Friends, in October of 2009 I prayerfully wrestled with God regarding his call on my life. Specifically, I had trouble comprehending where he had brought me - and the change in direction this new place would necessitate. It did not make much sense. As a result, I was slow ... maybe even reluctant ... to let go of my previously (hard earned) understandings for how my life had been shaped and ordered. In all honesty, I had greatly enjoyed the prior 20 years of ministry experiences. My bride and I had spent a good number of years in preparation for the types of ministry work we had been doing. And, I like to think ... that maybe, we were even just a little bit good at what God had given us to do!
This ministry work had never been of our own making. There was no time when we sat down and mapped out a five year plan! We were simply being obedient - day by day - to the things Jesus was doing in and through us.
Directing Everything
Letting Jesus direct the details of my daily life has been a way of living that began for me at age fourteen. In 1983-84, I began pressing in to know and follow Jesus with all of my heart, soul, and mind. My deep desire was to follow Jesus and allow him to direct me in everything. And, I truly mean EVERYTHING! During these years I began prayerfully asking God to lead me to my future bride. I believed with all my heart that he had created one perfect girl for me. I put all my trust in his ability to lead me to her! An odd thing for a thirteen year old to be concerned with, but this would end up being one of my most consistent prayers during my teenage years leading up to the day I asked this girl to be my partner forevermore. It is with great joy that I report now that my bride (of twenty years) has been the absolute perfect girl for me! God gave me such a wonderful partner and friend for a wife. In this matter (as well as many, many others) he has proven himself time and time to be worthy of my trust . His ability to lead me in every area of life and faith is proven.
Even so, the last year has been a confusing time for me in trying to comprehend this new place I find God has brought us. This confusion was compounded some by wounds we received in the last few years of ministry. We'll probably continue to feel the ache of these wounds from time to time.
God continues to direct us in EVERYTHING. And though I have been slow at coming to this point, I have finally arrived and am whole-heartedly embracing the new thing God has brought us to. So, it is with great excitement that I announce today that I will be taking a two-to-three year hiatus from vocational ministry. During this time, I will not actively seek a vocational/fulltime position in ministry. I will be taking a job outside of ministry in order to meet the financial obligations and responsibilities I have in caring for my family. In the last few months I've considered a couple of different options. We continue to seek God’s guidance on what’s next. We would greatly treasure your prayers for us as we prayerfully consider the possibilities.
Missional Community Outreach
This does not mean I will be stepping away from what I believe God has called us all to: the Great Commission and spreading the Gospel Message. I fully intend to continue serving in whatever ways God allows. I want to continue to pour myself in to missional community. To contribute to building healthy Biblical communities of fully developing followers of Christ. Teaching worship as a way of life!
I'm looking forward to watching how GOD directs and puts everything out of sorts back together again. Maybe this resonates with your personal journey. If so, join me in prayefully seeking God’s leading and resolution to anything that seems broken or out of place. I am convinced he uses everything to work good in the lives of those who love him (Romans 8:28)!